Arne Stefferud

Metropolitan Council

Mears Park Centre,

230 E. Fifth

St. St. Paul MN 55101-1634

Phone:651/602-1360

Fax: 651/291-6550

E-mail: arne.stefferud@metc.state.mn.us

This appropriation finances the acquisition of approximately 90-150 acres of land for the Metropolitan Regional Park System. Portions of two regional parks will be redeveloped, while portions of three regional parks, one park reserve, and one regional trail will be developed. Results of this program are pending completion of the project.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

This project accelerates the Local Initiatives Grants Program at the DNR. Every year the Department of Natural Resources solicits grant proposals from local governments for local parks, natural and scenic areas and cooperative trail projects. The Conservation Partners and the Environmental partners grant programs provide small grants to private organizations for fish and wildlife or native plant habitat related projects. Project proposals for all of these programs are evaluated and ranked on a competitive basis, with grants being awarded to the highest-ranking projects.

Six distinct grant programs provide matching grants to local governments and/or private organizations for acquisition, development, renovation, enhancement, research and education associated with parks and trails, natural and scenic areas, natural habitat, and other environmental projects. These programs are: 1) local park grant program (21 projects, $600,000); 2) natural and scenic area grant program (7 projects, $600,000); 3) cooperative trail grant program (5 projects, $200,000); 4) conservation partners grant program (63 projects, $600,000); 5) environmental partnerships grant program (33 projects, $200,000); and 6) regional trail initiative grant program (3 projects, $700,000).

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00.

This study provides various tools for planners, policy makers and elected officials to evaluate trail projects. It has 1) documented the size, distribution, potential for growth, desires and needs of Minnesota’s motorized and non-motorized trail users, and present status of Minnesota’s abandoned railroad grades, and has 2) produced a statewide inventory and map of long-distance off-road trails as well as an integrated inventory of current local, regional and federal trail proposals. The study has produced a database containing 287 records of abandoned railway lines with 193 (3936 miles) being mapped in GIS coverage. A total of 18,846 miles of trails have been mapped so far by GIS with 972 records providing information on each trail. This final report has been distributed statewide to trail advocacy groups, local government units, legislators, select state and federal offices, and others concerned with the development of trails.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Britta Bloomberg

MN Historical Society

345 Kellogg Blvd. W.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone:651/296-5471

Fax:651/282-2374

E-mail: britta.bloomberg@mnhs.org

Results located at web address: http://www.mnhs.org

This project surveyed and documented two areas with historic agricultural landscapes within the St. Cloud-Twin Cities-Rochester growth corridor, developed a management plan for protection of these landscapes, and conducted workshops with local and state land use planning agencies to explore ways to implement the plan. Four areas in the corridor were surveyed and one area along the Cannon River was evaluated as potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. A registration form with 193 sources was completed for the Nansen Agricultural Historic District and integrated into the SHPO statewide inventory. Digital data layers were prepared for use in future GIS analysis of the project area. Workshops and open houses attracted 170 citizens and resulted in two planning documents with recommendations for educational, incentive, and management actions for the Nansen area and planning for historic landscape statewide.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project provided quantitative and qualitative data about environmental conditions at the Jeffers Petroglyphs site (a state historic site located in Cottonwood County) and finish the restoration of native prairie at the site. An assessment of the site has been completed detailing the existing conditions. The need for an environmental monitoring system was established in 1997. The foundation for an environmental monitoring station has been completed and trails and boardwalks have been installed to limit damage by visitors. A prairie survey has been completed and the initial stages of restoration have begun.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Wayne Cavadini

MN Historical Society

345 Kellogg Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651/297-7451

Fax: 651/297-3343

E-mail: wayne.cavadini@mnhs.org

Birch Coulee is the site of a major battle in the United States-Dakota Conflict of 1862, resulting in approximately 60 casualties. The project improved public access to and interpretation of this state historic site. Improvements include ¾ to 1 mile of interpretive trails, an interpretive kiosk and thirteen interpretive markers, a picnic area, portable restrooms, and water availability. The site was regraded to remove contemporary trails and restore the site to the condition it was in during the time of the battle. These improvements will serve the approximately 3000 people who visit the site yearly.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project entailed the construction of a historical museum and heritage center adjacent to an historic gold mine and fur post site on the Bois Forte Reservation at Lake Vermilion, near Tower, Minnesota. The museum will be a focal point for interpretation and education about the history and culture of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians, with special attention to the historical interaction of the Indians and non-Indians in northern Minnesota. This project will positively contribute to the development of northeastern Minnesota as a tourist destination. This museum will be a primary feature attraction of a Heritage Tourism Route called "the Old Road", that is being developed by various partners in Minnesota and Ontario.

The project has also led to the development of a model of cooperation between a tribal government (Bois Forte) and a non-Indian organization (the St. Louis County Historical Society). The building itself encompasses approximately 6,241 square feet of exhibit and public space on the main level, and an additional 6,241 square feet of storage, research, and meeting space on a lower level. The building will house 11 distinct exhibit areas and an art gallery which will feature Native American art.

Information about the museum, the exhibits, and any research related to the adjacent historic sites will be made available on the Internet. This will provide a much greater level of access to these historical resources. A web site has not been established yet, but will be after the museum opens to the public. The museum will be open to the public and will provide educational opportunities to school groups, tourists, neighboring communities, and the Bois Forte people.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/01

5(g ) $60,000 FRF

Nonstate Match $30,000

Norman Deschampe, Chair

Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council

Terri Port Wright

Executive Director, Sugarloaf Interpretive Center Association

244 Marks Road

Esko, MN 55733

Phone: (218) 879-4334

Fax: (218) 879-4371

e-mail: sugarloaf@qwest.net

Web address:  http://www.nrri.umn.edu/cwe/gis/pastproj/sugar/sugarloaf.html

This project provided an in-depth interpretive study of the day-to-day lives and practices of Native Americans on the North Shore of Lake Superior prior to European settlement. Three products resulted from the project:

• A summary brochure highlighting the stories revealed in the oral history interviews.
• An annotated bibliography that identifies the primary sources on the Grand Portage Band.
• A book that includes approximately 175 stories from 30 elders about the Grand Portage Band history.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

This study builds on a project funded during FY96 and FY97 (ML95 Chap. 220 Sec. 19 Subd. 5(k)). It will test and demonstrate feasible and effective alternative Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS) that 1) reduce nitrogen to acceptable levels, 2) adequately treat sewage above seasonally high water tables, and 3) remove pathogens. Assay procedures have been developed and seven field-scale experiments (near Duluth and Mankato) have been carried out to investigate the efficiency of ISTSs in removing pathogenic bacteria from outflows. Wetlands were found to remove over 99.6% of culturable Salmonella within 40 days during the summer with diminished results during winter months. Peat filters were found to be the most effective in removing Salmonella followed by sand filters and constructed wetlands. Methodologies for monitoring virus removal are currently under development. An additional bienium of funding began in FY 00. Laws 1999, Chapter 231, Section 16, Subd. 6(a) On-site Sewage Treatment Alternatives- Performance, Outreach and Demonstration –Continuation.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $50,000

Bruce Montgomery

MN Dept of Agriculture

90 W. Plato Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651/297-7178

Fax:651/297-2271

E-mail: bruce.montgomery@state.mn.us

Results located at web address: http://www.mda.state.mn.us

This project accelerated knowledge of nitrate levels in private drinking water supplies through development of water testing clinics and education programs for rural well owners. Over 14,000 drinking water samples have been tested and 254 clinics conducted throughout the state under the program. Approximately 10% of the samples tested were found to exceed the drinking water standard of 10 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen. A voluntary survey (8000 respondents) was used to collect information on the characteristics of wells, distances from point and non-point sources, water treatment, and water-testing history. Approximately 15% of the sand point wells, 35% of all hand dug wells, and 8% of drilled wells exceeded the standard. Age of well also correlated with higher nitrate levels with wells aged 0-10, 11-20, 21-50, and older than 50 years being 6, 8, 12, and 26% above the standard respectively.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Lynda Peterson

Snake River Watershed Management Board

214 NW Railroad Ave.

Mora, MN 55051

Phone: 320/679-3982

Fax: 320/679-4692

Results located at web address: http://www.Lap@mn.nrcs.usda.gov

This project accelerated the implementation of action items of the 1996 Snake River Watershed Management Plan, to apply Best Management Practices (BMP), and to facilitate decision making which affects water quality through utilization of the Snake River Watershed Management Board (SNWMB) Geographic Information System (GIS). Two sets of weight scales were purchased to assist farmers in measuring the amount of manure that they are applying to fields in order to reduce the amount of excess nutrients entering lakes and streams. A ten year long surface water-monitoring program was instituted to complement project implementation efforts with a long-term database. Funding was provided for the protection of 4125 feet of streambank and lakeshore on high priority lakes and rivers. Funding was also provided for pollution abatement systems with reported improvements in one feedlot located along a high priority creek within the watershed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project was designed to determine the role of Minnesota watershed districts in addressing water quality issues, address water quality issues in areas where there are no organized watershed districts, and promote watershed identity and water quality training to the citizens of Minnesota. Three voluntary watershed organizations were found to be more effective than watershed management organizations in managing water quality. All successful organizations had common characteristics including infrastructure, access to water quality information and monitoring, and interest in citizen participation. Recommendations include building on the existing organizations, making the most of state and local-empowered organizations, utilizing voluntary organizations, and periodic evaluation of watershed effectiveness organizations. This program has resulted in the production of reports available on the MN Association of Watershed Districts (MAWD) website and at all watershed organizations and MAWD offices. A video on starting watershed organizations was produced as well as two training sessions on watershed evaluation in 1998 and 1999.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nolan Baratono

MPCA

520 Lafayettte Rd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651/296-7359

Fax: 651/297-8683

E-mail: Nolan.Baratono@state.mn.us

Results located at web address: http://www.pca.state.mn.us

This project was designed to promote local action and interagency cooperation to develop holistic land and water management strategies in the Red River Basin. A basin-wide planning organization was created representing international, federal, state, provincial, and local interests in the basin. A sediment source study was initiated in conjunction with the USGS and University of Minnesota to develop research methodologies appropriate to the Basin. Lab work studying the sources of sediment and sediment transfer in the Wild Rice River was initiated. Minnesota agency coordination was enhanced through the formation of a Basin Interagency Team (BWSR, DNR, MDH, and PCA), assistance with Flood Damage Reduction Mediation, and development of a water quality plan for the Minnesota portion of the Basin.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

George Orning

CURA,

U of M

30 HHH Center, 301 - 19th Ave. S.

Minneapolis MN 55455

Phone: 612/625-0081

Fax: 612/626-0273

E-mail: prolake@uslink.com

Results located at web address: http://www.mnlakesassn.org

This project was instituted to sustain lake resources through the development of an inexpensive and easily transferable comprehensive lake planning process. Five pilot lakes have been selected throughout the state and a draft lake management plan outline has been developed. The plan calls for data collection and analysis in the areas of physical resources and user patterns and desires. To this end, GIS databases for the five lakes have been developed and a survey instrument for each lake has been completed and sent out to shoreland residents. To facilitate the training of Lake Association Representatives, a lake education guidebook and an online bibliography of lake management and planning resources have been developed (www.mnlake.org) . A lake advocate work group has been formed and has designed a shoreland volunteer program. Program assessment has been conducted by a consultant. Results of the assessment are being used to plan a series of education programs.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $150,000

Jeff Lee

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

3800 Bryant Ave. S.

Minneapolis MN 55409-1029

Phone: 612/370-4900

Fax: 612/370-4831

E-mail: jefftlee@juno.com

Shoreline areas of Lakes Calhoun, Harriet, Isles and Cedar that have been severely impacted by heavy visitor use or erosion have been restored so as to permit continued recreational use while mitigating negative environmental impacts. Shoreline restoration work on Lakes Harriet and Calhoun has been completed with 1315 and 2300 lineal feet being restored respectively. Site preparation work has been initiated for Lake of the Isles with planting being completed at three different sites. Site survey work has been completed for Cedar Lake.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Edward Swain

MPCA

520 Lafayette Rd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651/296-7800

Fax: 651/297-8701

E-mail: edward.swain@pca.state.mn.us

RESEARCH PROJECT

This project documents geographic and historic trends in a) lake eutrophication and b) inputs of toxic metals and organic pollutants. Fifty-five lakes have been sampled to accurately characterize trophic status, to provide a status model, and allow for the interpretation of landuse data and fish contamination patterns. These lakes have been cored and analyzed for metals and organic pollutants. Maps of land use patterns, non-point sources watershed sources, of pollutants and atmospheric deposition of pollutants have been prepared.

Scientific papers published as a result of this project:

Report 1- Twentieth century water quality trends in MN lakes compared with presettlement variability

Report 2 - The application of a diatom-based transfer function to evaluate regional water-quality trends in MN since 1970

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

David Ragsdale

University of MN

219 Hodson Hall,

1980 Folwell Ave.

St. Paul MN 55108

Phone: 612/624-3636

Fax: 612/625-5299

E-mail: ragsd001@maroon.tc.umn.edu

Results located at web address: http://www.mes.umn.edu/~vegipm/ragslab/ragsbio.htm

RESEARCH PROJECT

The goal of this research was to reduce reliance upon chemical control of key pest species in agricultural production systems by developing biologically based methods of pest control. Several parasites of filth flies have been identified and are being investigated as potential candidates for pest control. Research on the interference of potato fungicides with parasitic fungi that kill aphids has shown that all commonly used fungicides adversely impact several species of beneficial fungi. Genetically engineered cover crops are being developed that will act in suppressing weed growth but can be eliminated through application of a non-toxic chemical. In addition, the application of a bacteria-derived chemical (Spinosad) was found to be effective in controlling three species of caterpillar and the cabbage looper that are pests in cabbage. In addition, application of Spinosad at half the maximal rate was effective in larval pest control while still conserving more beneficial insect predators and parasites.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Linda Kinkel

University of MN

495 Borlaugh Hall,

1991 Upper Buford Cir.

St. Paul MN 55108

Phone: (612)625-0277

Fax: (612)625-9728

E-mail: lindak@puccini.crl.umn.edu

RESEARCH PROJECT

This project determined the utility of novel, non-pesticidal management strategies for diverse crops in Minnesota. Three plant species, when planted as green manure crops, showed potential to enhance natural soil suppression of pathogens by enrichment of indigenous pathogen antagonists. Organic mulching methods in strawberries were found to have detrimental effects on disease management while manipulation of dike vegetation was found to be effective in managing diseases of wild rice. Screening of 2000 bacterial isolates found no species to be effective in inhibiting soybean cyst nematodes.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Helene Murray

University of MN

411 Borlaug Hall

St. Paul MN 55108

Phone: (612)625-0220

Fax: (612)625-1268

E-mail: murra021@tc.umn.edu

Web Address: http://www.misa.umn.edu

This project provides a comprehensive program of complementary on-farm and experiment station research, demonstration, and educational activities to examine economic and environmental effects of sustainable farming systems to Minnesota farmers. A partnership of farmers, researchers, land owners, private sector representatives, agency personel, community members, and non-profit organizations has been developed that has planned, implemented, and delivered cooperative research and demonstration projects on sustainable farming systems in the southeast, southwest and west central regions of Minnesota. Runoff and erosion samples have been collected at eight project locations and analyzed for sediment and nutrient content. Results will be used to estimate the environmental impacts of individual sites. Economic indicators have been developed to assess the economic benefits of conservation land practices. Forty-seven outreach events have impacted nearly 2500 farmers and agricultural professionals.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This appropriation has provided a cooperative project for an aggregate resource inventory on public lands, prairie restoration and research, and stewardship plans for management options. As of June 1999, a total of 23 workshops, demonstration projects, community education activities, and training opportunities were held to improve grassland ecosystem stewardship activities in the Glacial Lake Agassiz Interbeach Area. Information resources have been developed in the form of displays, books, and other educational materials. A biomass/energy feasibility study has been initiated to investigate the production of ethanol from native prairie species. A GIS project has been set up to assist in the development of a comprehensive watershed plan for the Pembina River Basin. Two projects have been set up to accelerate the planting of native grass species on CRP acreage.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project developed programs which provide the training and technical assistance needed for industrial employees to play a positive role in fostering pollution prevention in Minnesota. Curricula for 8 and 40-hour training sessions have been developed along with background training materials to support the training sessions. A list of companies whose workers could potentially participate in the training has been compiled.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Statement of Objectives: To enhance the ability of local governments to make natural resource decisions (such as land use, zoning and permitting) that are appropriate to the natural resources of their communities.

Overall Project Results: Six projects were funded:

1. Olmsted County/City of Rochester ($40,500)--Groundwater Recharge Management Areas—Mapped groundwater recharge and discharge areas, prepared design models and planning and zoning controls to protect groundwater resources.
2. Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District ($25,000)—Integration of natural resources information for use by the four townships surrounding the City of Bemidji and training in its use was accomplished by this project.
3. Douglas County ($37,500)—GIS mapping of lakeshore bluffs, wetlands and sensitive areas was accomplished, local staff and officials trained in its use in plat approval process and changes to local ordinances are underway.
4. Scott Soil and Water Conservation District ($10,000)—Created a team of county and soil and water conservation district professionals—Development in Review Team or "DIRT" to address issues and concerns of individuals planning to develop land in Scott County. All proposers of development have the opportunity to meet simultaneously with all the staff to work through all natural resource issues related to their development proposals.
5. City of Savage ($21,380)—Completed and adopted a Comprehensive Wetland Protection and Management Program for all jurisdictional wetlands in the city.
6. Rock County ($5725)—Included natural resource information and set goals for management and protection of natural resources in Rock County as part of the County’s update of its "Land Management Plan".

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

This project was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Minnesota’s agricultural land preservation programs, make recommendations for necessary statutory amendments and programmatic improvements to increase program effectiveness, and identify and quantify fiscal impacts of "rural sprawl." This evaluation concluded that that the Minnesota Agricultural Land Preservation Program should be refocused and strengthened to serve areas of the state with the highest need; that the solvency of the funding system for the statewide program and the Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves Program is important for local landowners and governments; and that opportunities for the use of transfer of development rights and purchase of development rights should be investigated and pursued. The study confirms previous studies showing that new residential development is more advantageous when in occurs within established urbanized areas than when it occurs in outlying undeveloped rural areas.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Michael Pressman

1000 Friends of Minnesota

370 Selby Ave., Suite 300

St. Paul, MN 55102

Phone: 651/312-1000

Fax: 651/312-0012

This program provides a new, environmentally sound land-use planning approach for city and county planners based on adapting Holistic Resource Management concepts and principles for decision-making, visioning, and goal setting. This project provides for the development of new models for land-use planning in Washington and Chisago Counties, two of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota. An inventory, plan, and maps for a permanently protected green corridor in Chisago and Washington Counties have been developed. Draft Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) ordinance for Washington County and a Transfer of Development Rights Conceptual plan for Chisago County have been developed as well as a TDR/PDR feasibility analysis for the City of Afton. Research on open space financing options was carried out for local governments. Acreage totaling 531 acres was protected by the Minnesota Land Trust. Educational materials were created and distributed along with 110 meetings that reached nearly 4000 people.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

The Mississippi corridor from Plymouth Avenue to the Minneapolis city limits were studied and a master plan developed addressing greenspace and trail development, riverbank restoration, and stimulation of river-oriented land uses. Connections to adjacent neighborhoods and parks, as well as the potential relocation of inappropriate functions currently located along the river, were also explored.

The planning effort started with a data inventory and an examination of previous planning studies of the study area. Three alternative concepts for land use and park development were then prepared and presented for public input and comment. Public input opportunities included eight large public open houses, over 30 small group discussion sessions, a comment call-in line, a website, the dissemination of six newsletters to a mailing list of over 1000, and the placement of public comment workbooks at locations within the study area. Additional presentations were made to public officials and meetings sponsored by other interested organizations. Through this public input process, together with an extensive economic benefit analysis of each concept, a single preferred option was selected. Recommendations were also set forth for phasing, funding sources, and the establishment of a development corporation for implementation. 

Public and agency involvement in the preparation of the final plan was extensive and in itself had a significant educational component. The final Master Plan report, entitled Above the Falls, has been published and disseminated to readily-accessible locations, such as libraries and community centers, for public inspection. The report also appears on the City of Minneapolis Website at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/citywork/ planning/index.html. Implementation of the plan will follow through hearings and adoption by the Minneapolis Planning Commission and City Council, application for Regional Park status for the park components of the plan, formation of the recommended development corporation, and fund-raising. Further public input will occur through many of these activities and as specific components of the plan approach implementation.

COMPLETION DATE:6/30/00

This project: 1) promoted transformation of the current rural land development process and design patterns aimed at preventing flooding and storm water runoff quality degradation and 2) preserved habitat biodiversity and traditional land design patterns through the development of new watershed-based, environmentally sensitive land design model codes and design guides. A model cluster code has been developed and tested. Potential changes to statutes and laws that might be useful in supplementing remedies offered by better subdivision regulations have been identified. Illustrative design guides have been prepared to instruct users in the appropriate design and review of new subdivisions to meet model standards and code language requirements.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project interprets what the results of a comparative risk analysis of the Minnesota Children’s Pesticide Exposure Study (MCPES) data mean to human health. The report includes: 1) a summary of the methods used for exposure estimation, toxicity evaluation, and risk calculation; 2) the results of health risk assessment for individual chemicals and for multiple chemicals, using several approaches for combining exposure or risk; and 3) a discussion of the limitations of the analysis and what can be learned from the study. The objective of the MCPES were to: 1) evaluate children’s exposures to environmental contaminants, both individually and in combinations; 2) evaluate the relative significance of exposure pathways (i.e. ingestion, inhalation) for children; and 3) compare health risk posed by the chemicals studies. The goal of the MDH’s comparative risk analysis was to provide decision-makers with information necessary to establish policy and set priorities for directing resources to reduce children’s exposure to environmental contaminants. LCMR support expanded the number of chemicals that could be measured and compared, thereby allowing risks form pesticides to be put into perspective. Full report titled: "Comparative Risks for Multiple Chemical Exposure" is available from the Minnesota Department of Health.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project prepared a biologically sound and socially acceptable management plan for Minnesota wolves, with extensive public involvement, for implementation when Minnesota wolves are removed from the federal Endangered Species list. A series of 12 public information meetings were held around the state to gauge public concerns. A wolf round table was also convened on eight different days and consisted of representatives from a variety of agencies and interest groups. A package of consensus recommendations was determined and turned over to the DNR for incorporation into the state’s wolf management plan. Wolf population survey data has been collected with data analysis in progress. A final wolf management plan has been completed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $100,000

Henry Quade

MN River Basin Joint Powers Bd (MRBJPB)

MSU 70, P.O. Box 8400

Mankato MN 56002-8400

Phone: (507)389-5492

Fax: (507)389-5493

E-mail: water@vax1.mankato.msus.edu

Results located at web address: http://mrbdc.mankato.msus.edu

The Minnesota River Basin Natural Resource Data Project has developed a centralized resource center to assist environmental managers in the acquisition of data for the 1208 minor watersheds within the 37 counties of the Minnesota River Basin. This resource will provide up-to-date information for decision making and future watershed planning in the Minnesota River Basin. Access to information about the Minnesota River is provided through the Minnesota River Basin Data Center website. GIS coverages have been made available for the 12 major watersheds of the basin. Each major watershed contains 26 ARC/INFO coverages; 26 ArcView shape files; 26 data dictionaries, and 26 metadata documents. The database is used to provide and update local, state, and federal watershed summaries. One feature of the database has been used to create the web pages including 1183 minor watershed summaries, 1183 local inventories, 11 state inventories, 11 federal inventories, and 27 contact directories. Cooperative efforts between local, state, and federal organizations facilitate maintenance of the database.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $88,000

Eric Sorensen

City of Winona

P.O. Box 378

Winona MN 55987

Phone: 507/457-8234

Fax: 506/457-8212

E-mail: esorense@cityhall.luminet.net

This project provides GIS capabilities to the City of Winona for natural and semi-natural areas within and surrounding Winona (33,000 acres). The GIS consists of three user-friendly models. The Land Use Development and Natural Resource Protection model (LUDANPro) is used to assess proposed developments looking at infrastructure issues and high value issues (viewshed and appearance of area bluffs). Winona Property Inquiry (WinPropinq) allows for quick retrieval of property-related records. Emergency Routing (EmeRt) can be used in optimal routing of emergency vehicles. A pamphlet describing the system’s capabilities is being distributed to all Minnesota cities and counties.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project researched the most cost-effective methods to produce a modern GIS digital database from county soil surveys in the 42 counties with category 2 maps. This involved the exploration of various techniques for converting category 2 soil surveys into a product suitable for digitizing. To test these various methods, soil surveys for Becker County were digitized this biennium. Soil scientists and GIS specialists at the University of Minnesota and the Natural Resources Conservation Service checked results from this work. The quality review verified that the method produces a digital data product that meets national map accuracy standards.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Nonstate Match $130,000

Kevin Scheidecker

BWSR

900 Washington Street

Preston MN 55965-9511

Phone: (507)765-3879

Fax: (507)765-2243

The purpose of this project is to begin the multi-year process of updating the Fillmore County Soil Survey. Development of a legend is progressing with completion of a summary of the 15-20 major map units. Production mapping of the area will soon begin at a scale of 1:12,000. Soils will be examined to depths of at least 80 inches and soil boundaries will be compiled on an orthophotographic basemap.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

This project assists municipal utilities in planning and implementing sustainable renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Two projects have been developed with Marshall Municipal Utilities: the Managed Lighting Retrofit Program and the Air Conditioning Rebate and Design Program. Moorhead has been identified as a case study site to look at the steps required to bring wind generation to small communities. Other projects will involve the evaluation of dispersed generation and load management techniques to control rising purchased power costs and the development of a renewables training center to train workers in service skills required in the renewables industry.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Richard Szydlowski

Center for Energy & Environment

211 N. 1^st St., Suite 445

Minneapolis MN 55401

Phone: (612)335-5862

Fax: (612)335-5888

E-mail: rszydlowski@mncee.org

Results located at web address: http://www.mncee.org

This project demonstrates cost-effective applications of renewable energy technologies in state parks. The focus is on technologies that are commercially available and have been successfully implemented as part of demonstration projects in other public spaces, including photovoltaics, wind generators, alternative fuel vehicles, and passive solar systems, as well as energy efficient technologies. A total of 44 renewable energy applications have been assessed in 20 different state parks. Six applications are currently in operation including PV powered pumps, lights, an electric fence, and a toilet ventilation fan. Signs and other educational materials are being designed for all systems that have been installed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Results located at web address: http://www.windustry.com

With this appropriation, the Sustainable Resources Center (SRC) provided information and technical assistance encouraging economically viable wind energy development in small dispersed cluster projects through orderly and sustainable community development practices. The program sponsored a series of planned events such as a wind energy festival that produced very good turnouts. Several town meetings were also held that reached 400 farmers and rural landowners in spring of 1999 to provide information on wind rights and negotiating wind easement contracts with wind developers.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Results located at web address: http://www.yellowbikes.org

This appropriation funded a project to The Yellow Bike Coalition to expand and develop a bicycle recycling and transportation program in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Houston County. At the completion of the project, 645 bikes were deployed in the metro area. Another 600+ were broken down for useable parts thus saving these bikes from the landfills. A total of 189 bikes were deployed from 17 metro hubs while 245 bikes were given to groups and individuals. Another 177 bikes were loaned to eight groups. The program has attracted interest from the City of Minneapolis which has provided for funding to provide bikes in low-income neighborhoods.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

With this appropriation, the Sustainable Resources Center (SRC), Minnesota State Horticultural Society (MSHS), and the Duluth Community Garden Program cooperated to provide information and technical assistance to encourage ecologically-sound home landscape plantings and maintenance, beautification, and reclamation of lands through community gardening and sustainable community development. The program provided 1700 people with the opportunity to learn about environmentally safe landscaping, consult with landscaping professionals, and visit designed plantings of Minnesota species. Technical advice was provided to 598 community gardens along with 18,900 seed packets and $400,000 of in-kind plant donations. 110 public events were held on a variety of topics. Newsletters from the cooperating organizations were sent out to over 3100 households. The groups held several events to connect urban food consumers with farmers using sustainable methods.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Results located at web address: http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us

The project determined if current measures of economic activity provide accurate and sufficient information for decision-makers to support policies that promote the long-term prosperity in Minnesota. Based on the premise that prosperity consists of no less than the economic, environmental, and community systems of a place, the project investigates the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) as an alternative to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross State Product (GSP) and develop a Minnesota-specific GPI for use by Minnesota policy makers and citizens. A literature review on indicators and performance measures and a review of state measures of GSP have been completed. A total of 209 candidate GPI indicators have been identified and are being assessed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Gary Deason

St. Olaf College

1520 St. Olaf Ave.

Northfield MN 55057-

Phone: (507)646-3908

Fax: (507)646-3930

E-mail: deason@stolaf.edu

Results located at web address: http://www.stolaf.edu/other/snap/index.html

This appropriation enabled the School Nature Area Project (SNAP) to create partnerships between higher education institutions in three Minnesota biomes and K-12 schools in each of these regions. The partnerships employed resources of the colleges and universities to educate teachers about regional ecology and native species enhancement as the teachers plan and develop their own school nature areas. The program supported the development of 29 school projects (5,672 students) involving native plantings or other wildlife habitat enhancement. 31 additional projects have been awarded for 1999-2000. Three regional eco-demonstration sites were established on college campuses as models for restoration projects. Eleven separate teacher workshop events were also supported which provide training to 300 teachers on the development of school nature areas.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

The Minnesota Frog Watch project combined statewide monitoring of frogs as indicators of environmental health with a statewide, multi-media, and interdisciplinary environmental education project for youth and families in formal and non-formal education settings. Over 26,000 newsletters, monitoring surveys, and posters have been distributed to over 120,000 people and institutions statewide. Over 4000 copies of two different educator activity guides and 25 resource learning kits have been distributed impacting over 125,000 students. An award-winning website was designed and visted 250,000 times. Events and exhibits throughout the state have impacted over 500,000 people. Over one hundred individuals were trained for the Minnesota Frog and Toad Survey. Almost 300 reports of malformed frogs were collected and passed on to the MPCA

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Teachers, students, and administrators at up to 20 Minneapolis schools will partner with Eco Education to carry out environmental service learning projects in the schools’ neighborhoods. A total of 32 teachers (combined classes of 890 students) from 12 schools have been trained in the methods of environmental service learning. Eleven minigrants were granted to student groups wanting to start projects. These projects ranged from planting trees and gardens to air quality testing. A manual for integrating environmental service learning has been reviewed and will be made available to school districts throughout the state. The program has been assessed by the Wilder Research Center and has resulted in improvements in the manual to better assess what the students are getting from the program.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Greg Lais

Wilderness Inquiry

808 14th Avenue SE

Minneapolis MN 55414

Phone: (612)676-9400

Fax: (612)676-9401

E-mail: glais@aol.com

Results located at web address: http://www.wildernessinquiry.org

With this appropriation, Wilderness Inquiry worked cooperatively with over 3500 students, parents, and teachers in 6-12 Minnesota school districts to provide program development assistance in both environmental education and inclusive education for students of all abilities, with an emphasis on serving students with disabilities and people of color. The program provided inclusive environmental classroom instruction for 2,113 elementary students in nine school districts and intensive leadership training to 375 high school students. It also involved 2,916 individuals in workshops, weekend adventures, and extended trips. Sixteen service projects in nine school districts were initiated.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project represents a partnership of schools, communities, and agencies working to create a model of environmental service learning based upon the application of environmental education principles. Through this partnership, a team of elementary classroom educators, students, cooperating agencies, community members and project staff worked together to implement service learning projects that incorporate principles and concepts found in the GreenPrint for Minnesota. The program has involved 600 students and 22 educators. Partnerships were formed between 10 agencies (city, state, federal, private, citizen, and higher education) to create an avenue for service to the environment and community and provide resources for integrating environmental education into the classroom. A guide was created outlining the process that the Stowe Environmental Elementary School followed to integrate environmental education with service to the environment and community.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Results located at web address: http://www.wolf.org

This project has enabled the International Wolf Center (IWC) to provide a public electronic forum for moderating debate on wolf management as well as the information necessary to ground the debate in fact. An electronic bulletin board has been created with about 1600 postings added so far. A website has also been created that currently averages about 7000 visitors per week. Quarterly issues of International Wolf have been put on the website along with documents of the Minnesota wolf management plan, news articles about the wolf management debate, and wolf management maps.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

The Rainy Lake Sport Fisher’s Club (RLSFC) has been working to improve the quality of fishing on Rainy Lake since 1984, including the improvement of habitat by increasing the awareness of people using the lake of the importance of such programs as "Catch and Release." This appropriation enabled the RLSFC to accelerate this program over two years. A variety of "Catch and Release" promotional materials (3000 hats and 400 rulers) have been developed and distributed to sportsmen.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Mark Martell

University of MN

Raptor Center

1920 Fitch Ave

St. Paul MN 55108

Phone: (651)624-9790

Fax: (651)624-8740

E-mail: marte006@tc.umn.edu

Results located at web address: http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/raptor/meeen/meeenhp.html

This project allows students from all parts of Minnesota to participate in the satellite-monitored radio tracking of Minnesota raptors during migration. Seventeen Minnesota ospreys were captured and fitted with radio tracking devices along with three Swainson’s Hawks and three injured Bald Eagles. Minnesota Osprey’s were found wintering in various nations of Central and South America. Swainson’s Hawks were found wintering in Argentina. Much of the educational efforts were focused on the web with six areas on the website devoted to education. Classroom materials were also made available to supplement website information.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

This project was designed to provide inexpensive and accessible environmental opportunities for school and youth groups and visitors from the twin cities metropolitan area, the state, and beyond. Environmental education opportunities in Como, Crosby, Lilydale, Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha, and Wirth Regional Parks have been expanded by this program through the development of youth interpreter programs and guidebooks for the six regional parks. Interpretive signs for the six parks have been designed and distributed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

14(b) $350,000 TF

Lee Pfannmuller

DNR

Box 25, 500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-0783

Fax: (651)296-1811

E-mail: lee.pfannmuller@dnr.state.mn.us

Web Address: http://www.nrri.umn.edu/mnbirds/default.htm

RESEARCH PROJECT

The goal of Minnesota’s Forest Bird Diversity Initiative was to develop landscape management tools to maintain Minnesota’s rich diversity of forest birds. Bird population data were gathered and entered into a data base from over 1200 sampling points in four major study regions: St. Croix River Valley, Chippewa National Forest, Superior Minnesota, and southeastern Minnesota. Trends have been completed for this last period with over 63% of species increasing in abundance. Thirty-five species declined in abundance in at least one region with 54% of these increasing in another region. A bird habitat-modeling program has been developed to predict the abundance of species. Initial results are promising with predictions of most species being within confidence intervals of the relative abundance of each species. Educational efforts have included workshops on landscape ecology and birds and forests as well as a web site and forest stewardship booklet.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

14(c) $250,000 TF

Judy Helgen

MPCA 520 Lafayette Road

St. Paul MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-7240

Fax: (651)297-8683

E-mail: judy.helgen@pca.state.mn.us

RESEARCH PROJECT

MPCA initiated the LCMR proposal to work on water quality indicators of endocrine disruption because there was evidence of hormonal disruption in fish below wastewater treatment plants in England and the U.S. In 1996, work was published giving evidence of endocrine disruption in fish located below the Minneapolis St. Paul Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant (Folmar et al, 1996). For this project, MPCA partnered with the US Geological Survey (USGS) and MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assess fish in several stream sites located below and above wastewater treatment facilities in Minnesota. Four biological characteristics of endocrine disruption were tested in male and female carp (Cyprinus carpio) as indications of endocrine disruption: 1) elevated concentrations of the yolk protein vitellogenin; 2) high or low plasma concentrations of the sex steroid hormones; 3) low gonado-somatic index; and 4) abnormal histopathology of the gonads. Sites were located upstream and downstream of wastewater treatment facilities in seven streams and downstream only in eight streams. The biological characteristics in male and female carp indicate the presence of endocrine disrupting agents in many of the sites that were sampled. In some cases, there were more indicators of endocrine disrupting agents found in the upstream than in the downstream location below the wastewater treatment plant. In other paired sites, the opposite was true. This study indicates the presence of endocrine active agents downstream of wastewater treatment plants and at sites draining primarily agricultural land. Full details of this work are found in the report published by the USGS and on the USGS web site (Lee et al, 2000) at http://mn.water.usgs.gov/wrd/pubs/00-4202.pdf

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Ian Chisholm

DNR

Box 25, 500 Lafayette

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-0781

Fax: (651)296-1811

E-mail: ian.chisholm@dnr.state.mn.us

This program was designed to help protect stream resources by establishing a watershed-level stream habitat database and develop the tools to set protected flows based on habitat diversity and ecosystem integrity. Hydraulic information on ten watersheds throughout the state have been collected at three flow levels and matched with habitat suitability models in seven watersheds to determine the change in biological habitat with changes in stream flow. Information on another three watershed sites (Kettle, Rum, and Snake Rivers) is currently being collected. Protected flow recommendations have been summarized with information on hydrology, current use, and implications of the protected flows to users.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Results located at web address: http://www.fw.umn.edu/personnel/staff/Hove/Freshwater.Mollusk.Collection

RESEARCH PROJECT

This project was designed to improve native freshwater mussel conservation and water resource management. The feasibility of relocating native mussels to a refuge on the St. Croix River separate from zebra mussels or possible human influences was investigated. It was found that relocation had no significant impact on mussel growth. In addition, a study was carried out investigating the host requirements of mussel larvae. Suitable host species were identified for a number of mussel species. Molecular markers for a variety of mussel species were developed for future identification of mussel species. The program also surveyed the diversity of fish and mussel co-occurrence. Ten mussel species and 42 fish species were identified in the Big Fork River drainage and 8 mussel species and 38 fish species in the Little Fork River watershed. In addition, several observations of new mussel species were made for the first time.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

16(a) $400,000, TF

Steve Simmer

DNR Division of Forestry

500 Lafayette Rd

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)297-3508

Fax: (651)689-7120

E-mail: steve.simmer@dnr.state.mn.us

Residential development in and around the Sand Dunes State Forest has increased dramatically. This project has resulted in the acquisition of a substantial portion of the current 700 acres of private land within the state forest considered for potential purchase. A 160-acre parcel has been purchased from one owner within the Sand Dunes State Forest in Sherburne County. A plan will be developed for the tract including 1.) Preservation of rare plants and animals, 2.) Recreation, 3.) Wildlife, 4.) Watershed, 5.) Forest management activities.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

16(b) $450,000, TF

Nonstate Match $450,000

Peter Olin

University of Minnesota

3675 Arboretum Dr., Box 39

Chanhassen MN 55317

Phone: (612)443-2882

Fax: (612)443-2521

E-mail: olin002@maroon.tc.umn.edu

Results located at web address: http://www.arboretum.umn.edu

This project is part of a long-term strategy to acquire lands within the Arboretum’s watershed for ecological protection and also provides the opportunity to develop public models for restoration of native Minnesota landscapes in the future. On March 2, 1999, the Arboretum purchased 60 acres of adjacent land with negotiations pending on an additional 90 acres. Control of these lands will assist in protecting water quality, native plant habitat, controlling noise and air pollution, and preserving the ambience of the visitor experience.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

This project is designed to implement integrated management activities in the Cannon River Watershed. Cleanup efforts have begun in several areas of the watershed. Funds have been offered for feasibility studies of cluster septic systems and three septic system workshops have been held. A total of 722 feet of lakeshore restoration has been initiated at Fox Lake. A plan for the Cannon River Wilderness Area and River Bend Nature Center has been developed and implemented with controlled burns, plantings, and public access structures being built. Cooperative efforts with Soil and Water Conservation Districts have resulted in nutrient management plans covering over 14,000 acres, erosion control projects covering over 1100 acres, installation of 17.2 acres of riparian buffer, and installation of 10 side inlet structures among other improvements.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

The goal of this project was to promote reestablishment of diverse, sustainable peatland ecosystems on harvested peatland sites, through accelerated development of cost effective, reliable peatland restoration techniques. This project resulted in the compilation of a peatland restoration bibliography with over 200 references. Approximately 1200 linear feet of boardwalks were constructed at three demonstration-scale peatland restoration research sites. Water table wells, rain gauges, and soil tensiometers were installed at each site to monitor environmental conditions. The project has resulted in the publication of 6 technical reports, an international symposium, and a guided tour of research sites.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

17(d) $500,000, TF

Nonstate Match $500,000

Dave Nomsen or Matt Holland

Pheasants Forever, Inc

2101 Ridgewood Dr. NW

Alexandria MN 56308

Phone: (320)763-6103

Fax: (320)763-6103

The goals of this project are the acquisition and development of prairie grasslands and wetlands for donation to the public. Three regional information meetings with Pheasants Forever Chapters and other conservation partners have been held to disseminate information on the fund. To date 2200 total acres have been acquired with matching partner dollars and will be restored to native prairie conditions.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

17(e) $600,000, TF

Allan Torstenson

City of Saint Paul

1100 City Hall Annex

St. Paul MN 55102

Phone: (651)266-6579

Fax: (651)228-3314

E-mail: allan.torstenson@stpaul.gov

The Phalen Wetland Restoration Project, Phase II (Ames Lake) has restored about nine acres of an obsolete, largely vacant shopping center site back into a wetland. (This is not an extension of a previous project, but is a new wetland restoration project.) Demolition of the shopping center was completed in 1995 and sand used to fill the original wetland was removed. Soon after, ground water filled the site. Wetland soils were replaced and the area was seeded with a cover crop of oats. Planting of native species will begin in Spring of 2000. The Ames Lake wetland will restore the site’s natural storm water cleaning function, reduce non-point source pollution, and enhance wildlife habitat and storm water detention. The project will also expand our understanding of how to achieve biodiversity in restored wetlands, and provide an environmental education resource.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Results located at web address: http://www.parkpoint.org

The objective of this project is to protect a unique ecosystem at Minnesota Point in Duluth, which includes a 45-acre stand of old growth white and red pine forest, a bird sanctuary, beach dunes and other habitats from partial destruction by the Duluth Airport Authority. This project resulted in the replanting of grass, shrubs, and trees on the project area. A large section has been fenced off to prevent erosion from visitors while another 17.6 acres have been transferred to a neighboring state scientific and natural area (SNA). An additional 7-acre parcel has been preserved at a wetland area. A management plan and erosion study has been completed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

The dramatic drop in populations of Sharp-tailed Grouse can be attributed to the loss of habitats they require, such as brushlands, savannas and similar open-country. This project focuses on two of these plant communities which have traditionally supported Sharp-tailed Grouse: Jack Pine Barrens; and Northern Conifer Scrublands. Lands that could potentially serve as Sharp-tailed Grouse habitat have been identified and inventoried.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

17(i) $630,000, TF

Kim Hennings

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)297-2823

Fax: (651)297-4961

E-mail: kim.hennings@dnr.state.mn.us

This program was designed to provide opportunities for private individuals, groups, and businesses to help fund the acquisition or improvement of critical fish, wildlife, and native plant habitats. State funds in the Minnesota Critical Habitat Private Sector Matching account (CHM) were matched dollar-for-dollar by restricted and unrestricted contributions of land easements or cash to the program. This project generated $630,000 in private donations to the State that included cash and land donations as well as contributions from the Nongame Checkoff Program. These donations were used to fund 7 critical habitat land purchase and development projects over 190 acres throughout the state. Funds were also used on 8 Nongame preservation and research projects.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

17(j) $400,000, TF

Richard Carlson

DNR

Box 7, 500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-0705

Fax: (651)297-4961

E-mail: dick.carlson@dnr.state.mn.us

This stewardship program provides opportunities to accelerate the development, improvement, and enhancement of wildlife lands, wildlife habitat, natural communities, and natural ecosystems on State Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and other state lands. Over 14,000 acres of field in state WMAs (210 sites) have been subjected to controled burns to rejuvenate grasses while reducing woody plant and weed problems. Over 31,000 acres of forest and brushland at 51 sites have been burned to reestablish viable brushland communities.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

17(k) $200,000, TF

Bob Djupstrom

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)297-2357

Fax: (651)297-4961

E-mail: bob.djupstrom@dnr.state.mn.us

The Department of Natural Resources has developed a long-range plan for Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) acquisition designation and management. The program’s goal is to preserve and perpetuate the ecological diversity of Minnesota’s natural heritage for scientific study, education, and nature observation. To adequately protect Minnesota’s critical resource "elements" the SNA long-range plan calls for the protection of five sites for plant communities and three sites for rare species in each ecological region of the State. This appropriation has been used for the acquisition of a 1356-acre oak forest complex, identified by the County Biological Survey, located in Morrison County.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99.

17(l) $500,000, TF

Kim Hennings

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)297-2823

Fax: (651)297-4961

E-mail: kim.hennings@dnr.state.mn.us

The purpose of this project was to accelerate acquisition of North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) wetlands and associated uplands on a cost share basis and wildlife habitat in areas of high population growth. This appropriation was used to acquire approximately 350 acres of critical habitat that benefit wildlife populations. Approximately $300,000 of this appropriation was used to purchase wetlands and associated uplands (approximately 265 acres) while the remaining $200,000 was used to purchase a new 132 acre wildlife management area near Rochester, Minnesota, thus providing additional opportunities for the public close to a major metropolitan area.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

17(m) $567,000, TF

Linda Erickson-Eastwood

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-0791

Fax: (651)297-4916

E-mail: linda.erickson-eastwood@dnr.state.mn.us

The goal of this program was to acquire aquatic management areas that include both easements and fee titles on lakes and streams for angler access and critical habitat protection.  The following projects were completed:

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

17(n) $1,200,000, TF

Carmen Converse

DNR

Box 25, 500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-9782

Fax: (651)297-1811

E-mail: carmen.converse@dnr.state.mn.us

Results located at web address: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish_and_wildlife/mcbs.html

Sixth biennium of a proposed twelve biennium project

The Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) is a systematic survey of rare biological features that began in 1987 in response to the need to determine the status of biological diversity in Minnesota. The goal of the MCBS is to identify significant natural areas and to collect and interpret data on the distribution and ecology of rare plants, rare animals and natural communities. Since July 1, 1997, MCBS has completed surveys in a total of 35 counties. New records of 1358 locations of rare features were added to the Rare Features Database to total 10,292 new records since the program began. This includes several species not previously recorded in the state. Results of the survey have been made available in two maps, a notebook, two reports, and two articles.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

17(o) $355,000, TF

Michael Markell

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-6413

Fax: (651)297-5475

E-mail: mike.markell@dnr.state.mn.us

The goal of this program was to provide the public with access to lakes and river statewide. Access includes fishing piers and shoreline access, and will provide fishing opportunities with or without a boat. This appropriation has resulted in the construction of nine fishing piers and three fishing access sites.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

17(p) $350,000, TF

Michael Markell

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-6413

Fax: (651)297-5475

E-mail: mike.markell@dnr.state.mn.us

This program provides the public with access to lakes and rivers statewide. Access includes boat access and will provide fishing opportunities with or without a boat. The program installed 16 fishing piers and 3 shore fishing access sites. Two public boat access sites have been constructed at Lake of the Woods (Warroad) and Pelican Lake (Orr).

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

17(q) $400,000, TF

Linda Erickson-Eastwood

DNR

500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)296-0791

Fax: (651)297-4916

E-mail: linda.erickson-eastwood@dnr.state.mn.us

This project improved and maintained statewide facilities for fish culture, rearing, and holding. Improvements were made to eight fish hatcheries throughout the state. Improvements included new waste management systems, access to hatcheries, new water supply and drainage systems, rehabilitation of a rearing pond, and structural repairs on site buildings.  The sites were:

• Waterville Hatchery
• Peterson Hatchery
• Lanesboro Hatchery
• Crystal Spring Hatchery
• Walker Lake Hatchery

COMPETION DATE: 6/30/00

This appropriation was the third biennium of a project to develop and acquire segments of the Mesabi Trail in St. Louis and Itasca Counties. 700 acres of land (200 parcels) were purchased between Gilbert and Marble. A total of 23.5 miles of bituminous surfaced trail has been funded under this appropriation. Major connections include an 8-mile segment between Chisholm-Buhl and Kinney, a 7-mile segment between Virginia and Gilbert, a 1-mile segment connecting Tower with the City of Soudan and the Soudan State Park, a 1.5- mile segment connecting the city of Ely's International Wolf Center to Miners Lake site and the State of MN Taconite Trail, a 4-mile segment between Hibbing and Leetonia townsite and a 2-mile segment between Biwabik and Embarrass Lake.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

e-mail address: steve@minnmail.com

Overall, this project will develop approximately 9.8 additional miles (four of six segments) of the Chippewa County Regional Trail System in the City of Montevideo. During this biennium, approximately 5.3 additional miles of the 16.2-mile Chippewa County Regional Trail have been constructed and two final core segments have been added to the system. Trail wayside improvements and enhancements to a historic depot have also been completed.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

130 grants to communities were matched by more than 2:1 to plant over 7,000 predominantly native trees, treat 237 Oak Wilt infection centers and protect 760 acres of community forests from spruce budworm and forest tent caterpillar. Not all grantees reported on local workshops they had planned to hold, but based on application information and known events, an estimated 65 workshops and hands on field training sessions were conducted, reaching some 1,800 volunteers and community staff. These include two statewide and one NE regional Minnesota Greening Conferences, presented in Cooperation with the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, MnDOT and the U of M Landscape Arboretum, attended by 465 greening enthusiasts and nearly 200 Extension-trained Tree Care Advisor / Master Gardeners statewide.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

19(b) $120,000, TF

Klaus Puettmann

University of MN

Forest Resources Dept.,

115 Green Hall

St. Paul MN 55108

Phone: (612)625-3733

Fax: (612)625-5212

E-mail: kpuettma@forestry.umn.edu

Results located at web address: http://www.cnr.umn.edu/FR/people/facstaff/puettman/index.html

RESEARCH PROJECT

The goal of this study was to investigate factors limiting the advance regeneration of white pine. This project investigated the effects of overstory, mid-story, and understory vegetation as they alter the environment and compete with white pine seedlings for light and water. The first measurements have been made and are being supplied to natural resource managers for use in providing suitable growing conditions for white pine. Secondly, the project investigated criteria that natural resource managers can use to prepare advanced regeneration for the removal or death of overstory trees and to decide whether a stand is suitable for release. Three sites have been set up to measure the effects of seedling size, growing conditions, and overstory effects on seedling’s ability to respond to release.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

19(c) $200,000, TF

Ed Olsen

City of Saint Paul,

Division of Parks and Recreation

1224 N. Lexington Parkway

St. Paul MN 55103

Phone: (651)488-7291

Fax: (651)488-8261

Appropriation added by the 1997 Legislature to the LCMR Recommendations

The goal of this project was the restoration of oak savanna ecosystem to a portion of the river bluff in Indian Mounds Regional Park, a portion of Battle Creek Regional Park, and a portion of Phalen Regional Park. Removal of buckthorn and other non-native plant species has been completed over the combined forty acres of the three areas. Turf removal and burning in preparation for planting has been carried out and replanting of the sites with native species will be initiated.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

Fort Snelling State Park and Miesville Ravine Park Reserve of Dakota County each contain remnants of prairie and oak savanna along south to west facing bluffs. The intent of the project was to remove the invasive exotic and native woody species that are competing with the historic vegetation. New management techniques have been tested including the completion of the first prescribed burns in three different oak communities. A total of 75 acres have been managed thus far at Fort Snelling State Park and another 36 acres at Miesville Ravine.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/99

The goal of this demonstration project is to test, evaluate, and refine promising innovative techniques for preventing the introduction and dispersal of exotic species in Lake Superior from ballast water of commercial vessels. Research on a ballast water filtration system has been completed. Research indicates that automatic backwash ballast filtration should be practical for shipboard application. The 50-micron screen was shown to be operationally feasible. A 25-micron filter was less efficient operationally and required design improvements but was more advantageous in biological control. Secondary treatments were found to be potentially necessary to supplement primary treatment. This project is a partnership between the DNR, Northeast-Midwest Institute, and the Seaway Port Authority.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

20(b) $150,000 TF

Luke Skinner

DNR

Box 25, 500 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone: (651)297-8021

Fax: (651)296-1811

E-mail: luke.skinner@dnr.state.mn.us

RESEARCH PROJECT

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement biological controls for Eurasian watermilfoil, (Myriophyllum spicatum) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) two exotic aquatic plants that are degrading Minnesota’s aquatic resources statewide. This project studied the effects of a predatory weevil species on exotic plants and found that the quantity of exotic plants as a percent of total plant biomass declined with increased weevil populations at some sites. Low weevil densities found at some sites indicate that additional research is needed to identify factors that limit weevil populations. Hybolius, a weevil and potential control agent of purple loosestrife, is being reared in the laboratory for release into the environment.

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00

Project not completed and funds returned.  The objective of this study is to define the magnitude of impact of an indigenous aquatic weevil (Euhrychiopsis lecontei) on the growth of wild rice (Zizania aquatica) and on competing vegetation present in Nett Lake, a 7369-acre wild rice lake. A species list of all existing macrophytes in Nett Lake has been compiled along with plant density information stratified by water depth and sediment composition. Rearing and growth chambers for weevil test specimens have been acquired and equipment for weevil feeding and study has been installed at a Bois Forte laboratory. 

COMPLETION DATE: 6/30/00